The Complete Guide That Makes Choosing the Best Dispatch Software Easy
Managing a fleet of delivery trucks is not the easiest job on the planet, but someone has to do it. If you happen to be that person, well, at least you can get help from the myriad of digital solutions available. Software like dispatch software, database management systems, and fleet management software has helped streamline fleet management.
Dispatch software has been a staple for the trucking industry ever since the start of the digital wave. Dispatch software helps you keep track of your entire fleet and handle fleet logistics. The software is especially important given the rise in e-commerce and subsequent demand for delivered goods following the covid pandemic.
That said, with the plethora of dispatch software available today, picking the right software can be a tad challenging. If you’re having trouble finding the right dispatch solution for your needs, we’re here to help.
Read on for a guide on how you can choose the best dispatch software for your fleet management.
Check the Ease of Installation
Find a dispatch solution that’s easy to set up and install. The last thing you want on a busy workday is software that’s complicated to install. Any software installation that requires several steps isn’t worth your time and effort.
You want software that you can install within a few minutes and get back to your usual work activities.
Check the Ease of Use
The software installation could be seamless, but how easy is it to use the software? Learning the software should be a smooth process so you can get accustomed to it in a snap. The faster you can learn the program, the earlier you can streamline your fleet tracking and management.
The purpose of this software is to make handling your fleet a lot easier. Having complicated dispatch software beats the point of having it in the first place. The software should have a single, easy-to-manage platform that lets you control and oversee everything.
It should eliminate any redundant and unnecessary processes. It should also provide a quick way to access any important data like tracking and contact information. If you’re having trouble understanding the software, you can contact professionals like Headlightsolutions for custom dispatch software.
Real-Time Tracking
A crucial component of fleet management is tracking your fleet. That’s why the dispatch software should have real-time GPS tracking. That way, you can effectively respond to service calls, emergencies, and new orders.
GPS tracking is way better than breadcrumb tracking that only captures the position of your trucks at a particular instant. With GPS tracking, you can tell the position of your trucks with every split second. It’s way better than having to call your drivers every time you need to know their locations.
It also gives you a firm idea of whether your drives are driving on-route or are keeping time. It’s not uncommon to take little detours and delay the deliveries. This can be incredibly detrimental to your customer service ratings.
Find Software That Can Synchronize With Mobile Devices
Try finding a dispatch solution with a mobile app that allows easy communication and coordination with your driver. These mobile apps allow for real-time updates on tracking, orders, and recalls. It eliminates the headache of having to keep in touch with your drivers via calls.
Apart from improving communication, a mobile app also makes your drivers’ work a lot easier. It lets the driver know where they should go, how to get there, and when to get there. In case of any changes to the routes or delivery, you can let them know through the mobile app.
The mobile app can also act as the drivers’ repository for receipts, inspection reports, and other documents to engender smart trucking. Drivers can also know how many hours they’ve been on the road and how much payment they deserve.
Find One With a Seamless Application Program Interface
Application program interface or API is an application’s ability to integrate the functionality and allow data transfer with other applications. A proper dispatch solution is an all-in-one solution to handle all fleet management needs. We’re talking route planning, fleet management, tracking, and other requirements.
A seamless and open API means the software can handle most fleet management tasks or integrate with other digital tools. This gives you complete control and visibility of your fleet operations. This makes your fleet operations a whole lot easier since you have everything at your fingertips.
Complete or Almost Complete Automation
There’s no point in having a dispatch software solution that doesn’t automate most of your processes. Automating processes helps save a lot of time and money. It also helps minimize errors, simplify work, and diversifies your business.
If you still have to do most of the usual stuff manually with your dispatch software, you best look for another one.
Should Measure Important Customer Satisfaction Metrics
Your customers are at the core of your fleet operations. Everything you do to improve your fleet management should culminate in optimum customer satisfaction. If it doesn’t, you’re probably doing something wrong, or you have the wrong software.
That said, the dispatch software should give you insights into crucial metrics that determine customer satisfaction. Everything from on-time deliveries, product recalls missing deliveries, and everything else. Remember, a happy customer is a paying customer and the premise of your fleet operations.
Smooth Communication
A proper dispatch software solution should ensure smooth communication between you and your truck drivers. It lets you inform them of any changes or adverse conditions to ensure trucker safety.
It should also provide a way to communicate with your customer effectively in case of any changes to their shipping times. This ensures you keep everyone up to speed with any new developments.
Only Settle For the Best Dispatch Software
There are plenty of dispatch software, and picking the right one is imperative to the success of your fleet operations. Never compromise on your choice of digital dispatch solution. You deserve nothing but the best.
Don’t forget to check out the other articles on the site for more informative content.
